France 2 Romania 1

Holders France started their World Cup preparations in earnest with a 2-1 win in Paris over Romania.

Goals in the first half from Patrick Vieira and Emmanuel Petit ensured the win for Roger Lemere's team.

Vieira scored in the second minute to set up the win.

Petit hit a free kick to the far post and the Arsenal player hit a downward header into the net.

The Chelsea star scored himself twenty five minutes later when Christophe Dugarry set up Petit beyond the edge of the penalty area and he smashed a left foot shot that rose into the corner of the net.

But defender Philippe Christanval offered the visitors instant redress when he fouled Dorinel Munteanu to concede a 30th minute penalty. Striker Adrian Mutu saw his shot saved by Ulrish Rame in the French goal.

However, Romania showed more heart after the break and Daniel Pancu came close with a chip that had Ramescuttling back to tip the effort over the bar.

Ion Ganea did claim a consolation with two minutes to go when he hit a volley off his chest trap that smacked the ball in.